Faith Quote by Gabor Maté
““Strong convictions do not necessarily signal a powerful sense of self: very often quite the opposite. Intensely held beliefs may be no more than a person’s unconscious effort to build a sense of self to fill what, underneath, is experienced as a vacuum.””
About This Quote
Source Book: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Maté, 2008
Strong convictions can mask an underlying emptiness, serving as a makeshift identity rather than genuine self‑confidence.
In simple terms: Beliefs may hide a feeling of emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Examine why you hold certain beliefs.
Themes
identity
psychology
self‑esteem
beliefs
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- relationship conflicts
- career decisions
Key Concepts
ego
defense mechanisms
attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- What emptiness might your convictions be covering?
- How could letting go of a belief change your self‑view?
A Different Perspective
Beliefs can become rigid and limit growth if not questioned.
![“The body is an object in which we are all privileged, or doomed, to dwell, the source of feelings of well-being and pleasure, but also the site of illnesses and strains. (...) [I]t is an action-system, a mode of praxis, and its practical immersion in the interactions of day-to-day life is an…” quote by Anthony Giddens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d7/anthony-giddens-22827_action_the-body-is-an-object-in-which-we-are-al_235692.jpg)
